I second the Yamaha. I run the PB-1 in my set-up. It's simple(tonally), yet has all the features(FX loop, X-over, headphone out, 1/4" and XLR w/ level control) otherwise it's a 3 band EQ w/ one more parametric band(footswitchable IN/OUT) built like a tank, great tone for a solid-state preamp and super-duper clean sound. Can't say that for the fuzzy Peavey preamp I had once. If it died I would look for another. IMO, price for sound can't be beat. The stompbox pre's are a good idea also.
K